Crime Stats 2011: North Long Beach

LONG BEACH - Jackey Park is a manager of a small beauty supply store in North Long Beach, and it's a tough business to be in.

Not because of the lagging economy, but because of crime, she said.

Park works at "O Boo Ja Beauty Supply," located in a strip mall at Atlantic Avenue and Artesia Boulevard.

She and several other employees and residents in the area cite chronic fights in the parking lots from students at nearby Jordan High School. Shoplifting and major thefts are also a daily problem among people of all ages.

Park said two of her customers were beat up recently during a purse-snatching in the parking lot, and she noted car burglaries and car thefts are a constant problem.

Across the street at Primo's barber shop, it's a different vibe. The men inside all know one another, and continue to come to the shop whether they still live in the area or not. Business is good and so is life.

But a few blocks away at Houghton Park, a group of Jordan High students talk about being hassled by gang members on their way to and from school and regularly losing a friend or relative to violence.

"For the most part it's mellow, people see our boards and know we're here to skate," said Hezekia Seales, a 23-year-old Long Beach resident born and raised in the city.